Chapter 4 - Chronicle of the 22nd February 2007

The stabling of villagers steeds in the Market centre of Edoras (St annes) is causing hardship. In an early morning recce of the Capital Gimil and an elite troop of the Rohirrim Cavalry rode out to inspect the stable facilities and agreed that better indication of where riders should tether their steeds should be sort. The troop blacksmith has been detailed to work night and day to produce the stable dividers.

On the other side of the Shire in Mordor , the Witch King had discovered the door to the Elves Portal. Her eyes flashed with rage and in an instant orders were sent to the Orc Commander to launch a strong attack. Elve positions experienced a steady stream of sling shot and of armour tipped arrows from the Orc army. The attack was aimed towards the positions held by both Aragorn and Legolas. Fortune had smiled on them as at the time of the attack they were far from the outskirts of Mordor. False intelligence handed to the Forces of Darkness regarding the identity of the webmaster has Saruman and the Witch King committing their troops to the wrong part of the Shire. A silver tipped arrow fired into the Castle grounds of Mordor gave a cryptic clue to the witch King of the webmasters identity, the message "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" was all it read.

Gollum, was in need of rest after his many hours of sneaking around the Shire, sticking his nose into portals where it was not wanted. His Second in Command (as there isn't a third!)was detailed to continue the duo's sole task for the Dark Forces, to continue adding slurry to the drinking waters of the Shire. Villagers should take heed as they will do, or say anything to get their hands on "the precious"

Gandalf and officers from the Rohirrim Cavalry again rode out to Mordor in the hope of yet bringing light to the plight of the Villagers. The Witch King astride her Fell Beast swooped over the Mordor assisted by her Ringwraith colleagues. Using the powers of negativity, they are able to suppress a villagers ability to reason, clouding their view of the facts. A written despatch from Gandalf was handed to those not yet under the Witch King's spell, calling villagers to a Council with the Wise Wizard at the next full moon.

Saruman has used the threat of Elven taxation to try and rally the support of men in Isengard, In desperation at the impending attack from the Ents within the Fangorn Forrest. Saruman tried momentarily to soften his exterior, but this form change drains much of the Dark Lords powers and cannot be sustained for long. In the past the fellowship, supported by the Elves, have attempted to help turn Saruman back towards the Forces of Light, but in vein. The Dark Lords loyalty to Sauron is strong and the loss of the "precious" has driven them to seek the return of it's powers at all costs.

Frodo has been busy in Helms Deep, working with Aragorn on a long term plan to rebuild the Shire, the battle plans for the clash on the 1st day of March must consider the Dark Forces tactics, based on past battles. Eomer and his Captains will again fight alongside the Elves. They are well drilled and ready.

The Hobbits have been loyal Allie's fighting alongside the Elves since the Fellowship adventure started in 2003.

Frodo, Sam and Pippin were kidnapped by a Uruk-hai (Orc raiding party) 4 years ago. Their treatment by the Orcs whilst being forced to stand with them was severe. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimil rescued them from the Orc's before they were delivered to Isengard and Saruman. Sam and Pippin have acted as the eyes and ears of the Shires Eastern Flanks ever since. They are strong members of the fellowship. Sam has been selected to represent the Shire and the other Kingdoms of the Country on the Regional Council, he will help oversee the rebuilding of Middle Earths settlements after the Spring Campaign. Sam has already proved his bravery and ability in past struggles against the Witch King. Now he is keen to take on the task of the Shires Ambassador. Pippin remains in the East of the Shire working with the Ents in the Fangorn Forrest and with renewed vigour, awaits the next encounter with Saruman and the Witch King. As Aragorn plans the Spring offensive he knows that these Hobbits will play yet another critical role in the driving back of the Dark Forces.

Whilst the Fellowship and the Elven Council were hard at work rebuilding the Shire and the foundations of Helms deep, the turncoat Wormtongue was at work himself. Turning his back on the Rohirrim people he rode out to Isengard and swore his allegiance to Saruman. In doing so he placed his forces at the Dark Lords disposal. This act of aggression aimed at the Elves, from within Edoras itself, shows that Theoden and Aragorn were right not to trust Wormtongue and his words. The new Goblin army, known as the FIG (Fylde Independent Group) will now march on the gates of Helms Deep at the shoulder of the Orc Army.

The Gaze of Sauron has again focused on the battlements of Helms Deep. The fellowship must be ever vigilent against his powers! The Dark Forces powers should never be underestimated. Adventurers should click now to experience a recent encounter with the Dark Forces at a Cabinet meeting!

http://mediaframe.yahoo.com/launch?lid=rnv-300-s.5531836-0,rnv-100-s.5531869-0,wmv-56-s.5531821-0,wmv-100-s.5531822-0,wmv-300-s.5531823-0,rnv-56-s.5531824-0&p=movies&f=1804738130&.spid=1808530606&.dist=New%20Line%20Cinema&type=c

The Dark Forces plan, to destroy the fortress and make Mordor the centre of the Shire. The combined forces of Orc and FIG has declared it's commitment to destroy the fellowship and Elven Army and to return the Shire to the 30 year darkness which shrouded the Shire until lifted by the Elven victory of 2003.

In the distance the beat of the battle drums grow louder.

footnote: I must acknowledge the many new followers of the Cause, whom have contacted me via the portal. At the same time apologise to both Aragorn and Legolas. In intercepted despatches from the Orc Commander it seems I may have inadvertently put them both in harms way! Legolas in command of the Wesham protectorate fights in the shadow of Mordor every day, since the recent acknowledgement of the portal in the Chronicle the Orc Commander has sent many batteries of poison arrows into his encampment. Aragorn has also had to dodge many slings and arrows and defend against Orc spies eager to find the gates of the portal.

Sauron and I travelled very similar paths long ago, although in different Shires. His destiny led him to attack the very thing he worked so hard for, my destiny, now as a villager of the Shire is to try and defend it.

Background Information - The 21 Wards of the Shire

The Shires Battle of 2003 saw the forces of light push back Sauron, Saruman and the Forces of Darkness, after 12 years of occupation. With just one protectorate more than the Dark Forces our Heroes must plan their Spring Campaign carefully. Followers of our adventure are now familiar with our Heroes and Villains, it is now time to understand the territories within the Shire to assist you in recognising the rallying points when the Elves Spring offensive is launched.
There are 21 protectorates within the Shire. Some of them under the protection of the Fellowship the others, under occupation by the Forces of Darkness. Some settlements are divided into two, with constant clashes taking place. The Spring campaign for control of the Shire will be a like one never seen before in the Kingdom, the recent pact between Saruman, Gollum and Wormtongue has been engineered for one purpose only - to overthrow the Fellowship. The re-building of the Shire has taken four years of toil after the 12 year Orc occupation, it's continued existence now lies in the hands of all Villagers.
The impending struggle will require each and every supporter of the Forces of Light to rise up and be counted in the Spring.

Areas under the protection of the Forces of Light:

Ansdell Village: 2 Elves
Ashton Village: 1 Elve
Central Village: 3 Elves
Clifton Lytham: 3 Elves
Fairhaven Village: 2 Elves
Heyhouses Village: 3 Elves
Kilnhouse Village: 3 Elves
Park Village: 1 Elve
St John's Village: 3 Elves
Warton & Westby Villages: 2 Elves + Elve sympathiser
Medlar with Wesham Village: 1 Elve
Staining & Weeton Villages: 2 Elves

Areas under Occupation by the Forces of Darkness:

Ansdell Village: 1 Orc
Ashton Village: 2 Orc's
Fairhaven Village: 1 Orc
St Leonard's Village: 3 Orc's
Park Village: 2 Orc's
Elswick & Lt Eccleston Villages (Isengard): 1 Dark Lord
Freckleton East: 2 (Elve Sympathisers)
Freckleton West: 2 (1 Elve Sympathiser)
Kirkham Nth Village (Mordor): 2 Orc's + (1 Elve Sympathiser)
Kirkham Sth Village (Mordor): 2 Orc's
Medlar with Wesham Village: 1 Orc
Newton & Treales Village: 2 Orc's
Ribby with Wrea: 1 Orc
Singleton & Greenhalgh: 1 Orc

A map of the Shire was hurriedly redrawn for followers of the Chronilces to study. The earlier one displayed on the Portal was stolen from Sauron by Rhohirrim spies. Sauron's powers are great, using his weapon 'the counterbalance' he infiltrated the Portal and destroyed the secret map of the Shire. His secrets have already been seen and a new protected map drawn by Elve scholars will soon lead you through the Shire.

Footnote :Men can refer to the old map of Middle Earth below, although time has altered the face of the Shire since our last encounters, the wards still exist with the location of both opposing Forces remaining the same:

http://www.ititches.com/middleearth/me.pdf

Chapter 3 - Chronicle of the 15th February

The Eye of Sauron swept over the Shire again this week and discovered the Elves communication portal! The Orc army were drafted in to get the balance up to steam, busily adding fuel and fanning the flames. As the Counterbalance swung into action, some Elves complained of headaches and feeling the unusual urge to start evening classes? some have now signed up for new English Literature or Language classes. Amazing affect the counterbalance weapon can have!

Saruman the White Wizard of Elswick came out of his self imposed exile this week. His week of spell casting started with the dispatch of the Ringwraiths to the corners of the Shire, their task, to spread tales of excessive Tax rises and messages of doom, in a bid to muster support for an uprising. He warned that the small enclaves of the Shire should expect their treasure chests to be plundered, by the Elve Council Leaders when the Cabinet met within Helms Deep. How very very wrong he was!! Far from plundering the hard earned gold pieces from the Shires people the Elves kept taxes low and brought in new decrees that will see many improvements to the villages of the Shire. The Council of Elves were also keen to see the encampments of St annes, Lytham and even Mordor handed responsibility for lands within their jurisdiction, for the benefits of villagers living in their protectorates. Eomer and his lieutenants had done well in assisting the Forces of Light in the quest for equality.

A decree was made by the Council of Elves that the Monuments erected to honour our fallen heroes should be improved at all costs. The Monuments and their surroundings located in Lytham, St annes & Mordor will be restored to their former glory. Facilities for young lings of the realm were also granted additional funds to ensure that our future generations grow tall, straight and strong. The protection of the Coastal defences and Sands of St annes also featured highly in the Elve Councils priorities. The return of the trees to the Shire, as promised by Aragon to Treebeard were also given the Elves blessing.

The Dark Lords powers of Orc control have stood strong for almost four whole years, but Saruman is now showing signs of failing judgement and desperation as the Elves strategies and recent fortunes in isolated battles have pushed himself and the Orc army further back towards the boundary of the Shire. Before the Orc Army sized control of Mordor the Elves and Villagers would meet in a small clearing known as the Silver Dell. The Dell was a place of tranquility and reflection, the wood offered shelter from the elements, the crystal clear waters of the pond could then be used to bathe and refresh tired travellers. This was a place where bonds were strengthened and the villagers met to sing, dance, eat and reflect. Many local issues were discussed in the clearing. Sadly no more. since the invasion of the Orc Army the Dell has become centre of their operations in Mordor. The Dell transformed by Saruman and the Ringwraiths influence has become a cold and un-inviting corner of Mordor and an unwelcoming shelter for Elves.

The key tactic of the Forces of Darkness is to be constantly negative. The power of negativity has been used ruthlessly by the Witch King in Mordor. The constant bombarding of the Village by these negative waves has driven many villagers into a dark melancholy. The weapon has been successful in keeping villagers under the King's spell and in driving away anything positive. Arogan, Legolas and Theoden have spearheaded three campaigns into the Heart of Mordor since the Summer. Their hope, that the positive messages put through villagers doors will help lift the veil of Darkness which has overwhelmed them and realise that the rest of the Shire is basking in the Light.

Gandalf has pledged to ride out to Mordor with a select troop of Rohan soldiers to again bring light to those Rohirrim villagers still struggling on behalf of the Forces of Light within the Orc Garrison. It is the strong belief of the members of the Fellowship that our quest for strong trade and regular positive improvements for Mordor will help unsettle the Dark Forces vice like grip.

Aragon this week met with the Council Leaders from across the Kingdom to discuss both the increase of trade across Middle Earth and a more protection from them on the Shires Eastern flanks. Aragon and Legolas also sought to counter Gollums tales of woe that the Shires spa's were under threat. The healing qualities of these pure waters are vital link in the well being of Villagers and a vital part of our fledglings training towards becoming strong warriors. Legolas detailed a Brigade of soldiers from Rohan to the task of repairing the damage caused to the St annes and Mordor Spa's during the Southern Storms.

Gimil has been in action action again this week, working with a crack section from the Elve army he successfully defended an attack on the the Coastal strip of the Shire. An squad of ten Orc soldiers attempted to block the passageway for villagers travelling on the link between the two Coastal villages. The skirmish lasted over an hour, but Gimil and his loyal soldiers drove the Orc's back, with their tails between their legs they fled back to Mordor. But they will be back.

As another Chapter draws to a close our brave Fellowship have again fought hard for the Shire and now meet to plan future strategies. With wormtongue and the Orc Commander set to enter our next chapter the bond between the members of the Fellowship will be crucial. As darkness falls I feel that villagers can sleep sound in their beds knowing that the joint forces of the Elves and Soldiers of Rohan are watching over us all.

Chapter 2 - Chronicle's of the 8th Feb 2007

scene 1. Gimil has done well this day, his bold decision to allow self propelled vehicles safe passage along our shores has had the villagers of the Shire on the streets rejoicing. Six whole years the vortex of common sense consumed the Council, then led by the Orc Army. The dizzying complexity of this decision far beyond the capacity of the Dark Forces. Sauron at this time was still plotting his revenge after the last battle with Frodo at Mountain Doom, his advice to 'call-in' the decree made by Gimil has shown that his powers of judgement are still weak.

Theoden travelled in recent days to the Palace of Preston to negotiate with it's tribal Leaders for the continuance of the Shire Visitor safe haven in the village of Lytham. A noble cause. Prior to May 2003, the Orc Army had blocked all trade and dialogue from the Palace within the City. After the Elves successful campaign in the spring of 2003 their Leader Aragon called a truce with the Shires neighbouring tribes and ever since a strong allegiance has seen many trading benefits. Negotiations were constructive with both Councils re-enforcing their 2003 treaty and using their Council of Elders to find a solution to long term harmony.

During this time both Aragon and Gollum were at work within the Shire. Both with different agendas! Aragon assessing the damage to the Shire ,after the dreadful storms which had rolled in from the South of the Kingdom. He had met with Treebeard to give a timescale as to when the Forrest would return to the Shire, many trees had been lost at the hands of the Orc Army in Isengard and now the Elves commitment had seen 2000 more trees planted, with many more thousands promised. Helms Deep had suffered badly during the storms. The Elves are keen to rebuild the fortress after 12 years of Orc occupation, which had seen this mighty building diminish in grandeur. The Elves have done well, to quickly rebuild and the damaged structure and reinforce its battlements.

The taxes increased year on year by Saruman were squandered. Now this valuable but limited gold needs to be spent wisely on improving the whole of the Shire, Aragon is determined to restore the Jewel of the North. Villagers of the Shire have nothing to fear from excessive taxes being brought to bear under the elves, as the Council of Elders new allegiances with neighbouring tribes will see many benefits.

Gollum had again been using the cover of the shadows to spread his spite and ill will. His total belief in his cause and his innocent appearance can cloud villagers judgement and draw them towards the dark side. His recent attack on the Elves progress was both cunning as it was vengeful. The Elves 10 pledges are all but in place, but it has been a long road to delivery.

Gollum supplying Sauron with insider information has been successful in slowing the Elves progress and creating pockets of resistance from within the Shire. The minds of the weak are easy pickings for Sauron and Saruman. Their ability to cloud reasonable judgement, even in the face of overwhelming positive facts is disturbing to the Elves. Aragon knows that it is wise to keep such enemies close where they can be watched, however each night he rests with his trusty blade close at hand.

Frodo has been working for many months towards restoring the green Memorial Gardens enclave on the outskirts of Mordor Castle. The Witch King has fought hard to confuse villagers, made prisoner within the castle walls that Elves are bad and that the Orc's are their friends. Frodo has found over 200,000 Gold pieces for the green sanctuary, with another 130,000 Gold pieces being pledged this spring for the Village. The Ringwraith Elders within Mordor refuse all approaches from the Elves and have been symptomatic in the Villages decline. Mordors green space could be improved overnight if the Ringwraiths were to agree to end the 30 year war and take back ownership of Mordors green lands.

The Spring campaign will see much fighting around Mordor, for the villagers an Elve defeat would mean 4 more years of decline and dismay.

Gandalf has been working hard to ensure that the market traders in Mordor can still make bread although the Ringwraiths are working against his positive input. A Council of merchants is vital to help strengthen the Villages trade. Gandalf works regularly with merchant Councils across the Shire. Mordor is the only village without. Again much gold has been sent to Mordor in recent times after 12 years of Wraith decline. 75,000 gold pieces of new shop frontages, 30,000 gold pieces on a village survey and a pledge to retain free stabling for travellers visiting the Mill Street watering hole.

Again a week of small skirmishes for our noble knights, with the storm clouds once again rolling back from helms Deep, what adventurers and tales will the next entry into the Chronicles of the Shire bring?

Chapter 1 - Introduction to our story - Elves start their 12 week March to the final battle field

The loyal Elve Commanders of Fylde met today to discuss the next campaign and future anti ambush strategies. Casualties have been light as now the Elves have become familiar with the way's of the Dark Forces and their pattern of mid week attacks. The attacks are at the fiercest when the moon is full or when the local weekly chronicles are written.

The Elves Captains know that all their tactics are exposed with the Evil Sauron now ruling over the Dark Forces of Fylde. Sauron once a Brave Defender of Fylde and Elve Lieutenant, was drawn to the dark side and now plots his revenge against the Shire with the White Wizard of Elswick, Saruman. Using his deadly weapon known as the Counterbalance, the beam of his mind altering weapon has been focused on the ramparts of Helms Deep for many months. The Orc Army has used the weapon to try and break down the Fellowship but the walls of the Elve enclave are strong and the Elves powers of mind impregnable against his powers. The Forces of Darkness are now in panic, knowing that the Elves are know using their own weapon against them!
Fellow followers should be aware of the side affects of the Counterbalance: Heavy eyelids, dizziness and confusion.

With their 26 strong Orc Army, led by the Witch King from Kirkham the Dark Forces are massing somewhere in the darkest enclaves of the Rural Shire, feverishly planning their Spring attack. The Witch King gave orders to the Orc Army Commander to send out a spy, Gollum, to try and be-friend the Elves Commanders but his schizophrenic personality lets Gollum down and his trail of deceit is mysteriously recorded for eternity, in print in the mystical Chronicles of Fylde.

The scene is now set, the reader is familiar with the our heroes and villains and the lands that our heroes wish to defend and the villains to conquer. Each week we shall read the script from the weekly chronicles, with the 'Webmaster' unravelling the tales and legends recorded within. The webmasters quest to take you the fellow adventurer into a story of Hope, Fear, Betrayal and Honour. So follow me as we journey through the chapters of this epic struggle and marvel in the fortunes and battles from within 'the field' Shire.